Gloria Ann Deem LaRousse was born October 19, 1932 in Souder, Missouri to Marvin E. and Jessie Reddick Deem. Her childhood was spent following her father's work in the oil fields, eventually settling in Beaumont, Texas. She graduated from South Park High School in 1949 where she played the bugle in the Drum and Bugle Corps and sang in the choir; Gloria, with a beautiful voice, took voice lessons in high school and was accepted into the Melody Maids, a traveling chorus, though circumstances precluded her from participating. October 27, 1949, Gloria married the love of her life, Gene LaRousse, with whom she celebrated 61years of marriage.
She had a gift for teaching children about Christ. She created the Good News Club, a division of Child Evangelism, teaching kids in her home and in Sunday School for more than 50 years.
As a youth, she dedicated her voice to God. She enjoyed singing solos and in church choirs, and also serving as the Children's Choir Director at Florida Ave. and Woodland Baptist churches. Above all, she loved singing with her family, including duets with Gene.
Gloria taught her children to be of service to others by setting a strong example with her deeds of kindness: sewing clothes as well as cooking dinners and baking pies for those in need. She was passionate regarding the value of all life: from children waiting to be born, to those with special needs, those down and out, and those nearing life's end. She opened her home to many people, and the kids of Wyatt Street loved playing at the LaRousse home.
She loved cooking dinner for her family and friends at her home every Sunday. She was a devoted grandmother, hosting tea parties and sleepovers for her grandkids, making sure they had their chocolate waffles and eggs made to order in the mornings. She instilled her love for music and shared her skills in the kitchen and sewing with anyone who showed interest. Grandma LaRousse, as she was called by many children in her later years, spent hours outside tending to her roses with the utmost care and gentle hands. Gloria and Gene had a passion for travel, exploring the U.S. and Canada, visiting historical markers along the roads. By far, their favorite destination was Gatlinburg in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee when the leaves were changing colors.
Gloria was preceded in death by her most cherished friend, love, companion and husband, Gene; beloved son, Kevin LaRousse; granddaughter, Tana Crocker; son-in-law, Myron Stock; brothers, Harlan and Reggie Deem; mother, Jessie Griffith; father, Marvin Deem.
She is survived by her brother, Johnny Deem of Louisiana; son, Larry LaRousse and wife, Mercy; daughter, Suzanne Carver and husband, Fred; daughter-in-law, Shelia LaRousse all of Beaumont; daughter, Vicki Upchurch and husband, Andy League City; daughter, Terri Stock Humble; grandchildren, Chad and Will Richards, Tara Russell, Charissa Gonzales, Candace and Celia Carver, Jessie Thomas, Jade Rayburn, Elizabeth Stock, and Ashley and Codi Drewett; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; her beloved friend and neighbor, Mary Jean Neely, many church friends and relatives.
The family extends their gratitude to Drs. A. Remirez, J. Lozano and K. Jayaraj. Special thanks to Dr. Milvia Pleitez, Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, for always giving Mom hope.
Gloria crossed over peacefully on April 9, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 13, Woodland Baptist Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, Thursday, April 12, Claybar Funeral Home, Beaumont.
May the Angels of Heaven rejoice as they welcome their newest Choir Member and Soloist home to be with her Heavenly Father.